FIFA and the CodeOrganising Committee for the FIFA World Cup 2006 has put a hold on allowing access for Steelpan and other iron-made musical instruments being taken into the Stadiums for Trinidad and Tobago’s matches in the June tournament.
According to National Team Security Officer Brigadier John Sandy, the officials of the World Cup Organising Committee has informed the Trinidad and Tobago/Germany 2006 Local Organizing Committee that it will give a statement in coming weeks on whether they will allow the “Soca Warriors” to play to the tune of its national instrument in the matches against Sweden on June 10 in Dortmund, England in Nuremburg on June 15 and Paraguay in Kaiserslautern on June 20.
Sandy was a part of a T&T contingent at last week’s FIFA Teams Workshop in Dusseldorf in which team manager Bruce Aanensen, general secretary Richard Groden, media officer Shaun Fuentes, marketing officer Cheryl Abrams and team liaison officer Mark Bos attended sessions pertaining to the respective fields .
“From a security standpoint, the main aspect of concern for us is with respect to our ability or inability to take the steelpan and other instruments into the Stadium of our games,” Sandy told TTFF Media.
There were views also raised towards the Brazilian’s and their musical instruments but Sandy pointed out the fact that T&T will be in possession of Iron type instruments which could prove to be a form of weapon.
“When the meeting was being finished up, the officials also made reference to Brazil as well as Trinidad and Tobago, saying they will report back to us on the issue. The fact that we carry iron in a sense could be a problem. You are not allowed to take anything that can be used as a weapon and the iron is in fact a heavy object. They are well aware that steelpan is our national instrument and that the Government has plans to send a national cultural team. They are also very aware that it will be used in a harmless manner and is part of our national representation in Germany,” Sandy stated.
However there will be no stoppage on the presence and playing of these instruments at activities outside of the match venues.
T&T experienced a similar problem in Manama last November for T&T’s final qualifying match against Bahrain when officials of the Football Association there, after initially agreeing, later said the instruments would not be allowed into the venue. But Jack Warner’s intervention ensured that the Angostura Woodbrook Playboys Steel Orchestra and Laventille Rhythm Section did play inside the Stadium.
It was also made clear in Dusseldorf that alcoholic beers will be on sale during the first round of the World Cup and according to if no problems arise during that stage, then it may be continued for the rest of the tournament. However fans are advised that no bottles and coolers will be allowed into the Stadiums and they are being asked to walk with minimal hand luggage into the venues at which they will be searched at different points.
“We know ‘Trinis’ and how they like to walk with the whole package when going to these kind of events. So we are advising our people to have control on what they are taking into the venues.”
Tickets will be checked visually and will be electronically controlled at the inner perimeter and will again be checked visually at the stairs leading to the stands in all stadiums. The LOC will also ensure that strict and thorough control measures will be taken at all access roads, entrances and seating area for the fans in advance of matches and after the stadiums have been opened.
With respect to banners and flags, it should not be a problem but fans are being advised to refrain from using any hard material if they intend to have flag poles in their possession as they could be blocked from entering the venue.
Sandy pointed out too that trained bartenders will be selling the beers on location.
“So if they suspect in any way that the fan is looking like he has over consumed or can present some form of danger, then he or she will not be sold and they will have to respect such decision,” Sandy said.
The fans of the two competing teams at a match will also be segregated at the venue.
“Some games are termed high risk. When you purchase your ticket, on it will be information pertaining to your name and nationality and fans will of the respective teams will be segregated at the Stadium.”
Big Screens will also be set up at various points throughout Germany and the same security measures will apply to fans entering these venues to view the games.
There are security plans for each team base camp and this will include mobile, static and external security at each of the hotels. There will also be a security team on location with the National team of players and officials on each visit to training, matches and other related events.
Disaster and crisis plans have also been drawn up for each Stadium. These Stadiums will be opened three hours ahead of kick off times and the committee stated that it should take roughly one hour for the venues to be filled.
Sandy also disclosed that the TT/Germany 2006 Committee will have to inform the 2006 World Cup Organizing Committee of any planned visits of local Ministers of Government and other dignitaries in advance and they will subsequently make the necessary security arrangements.
With the other security personnel including team security liaison officer Gunther Grath being attached to the T&T team, Sandy’s role will ultimately be to “be more of a coordinator. I have to ensure that our people are well taken of. In the event that something’s not appearing right, it is my responsibility keep my eyes opened at all times and advise the relevant people.”